High tibial osteotomy in medial compartment osteoarthritis of knee: functional outcome of medial open wedge and lateral closing wedge osteotomies —How does the outliers fare in the medium term?

ConclusionOur study shows that both medial open wedge osteotomy and lateral closing wedge osteotomy are capable of improving knee function in medial compartment osteoarthritis of knee. Medial open wedge with locking plates is a biomechanically  more stable construct compared with lateral closing wedge osteotomy. Irrespective of the two techniques chosen, the aim of the osteotomy should be to achieve an overcorrection of 2°–6° of valgus or at least to keep the knee straight (normal mechanical axis). This will give a satisfactory medi um-term result. However, varus alignment  and valgus alignment of more than 6° can result in a deterioration of function of knee. The results of the osteotomy are found to deteriorate with obesity, severe varus in  preop mechanical axis and longer duration of follow-up.
Source: Musculoskeletal Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Source Type: research